Review Blog

Oct 11 2010

The Montmaray Journals by Michelle Cooper

A brief history of Montmaray (The Montmaray Journals Book One)
Random
House Australia, 2010. ISBN 978 1864718874The FitzOsbournes in exile (The Montmaray Journals Book Two)
Random
House Australia, 2010. ISBN 978 174166374 7
(Age 13+) These two titles are set between the first and second world
wars. Montmaray is a fictional island in the English Channel. The main
characters are the FitzOsbornes who rule the small island country. In A
brief
History
of Montmaray we are introduced to Sophie and her sister
Henry (called so because of her tomboy tendencies). Her brother Toby is
next in line to the throne and has been sent to England so that he can
obtain a proper education. At the moment they are guests of their mad
Uncle John and his daughter Veronica. Veronica is very intense and is
writing a history of the family and the Island. There are many plots
within the story including birth rights and invasions from the
Germans. Readers are introduced to the delicacies of English
society via Aunt Charlotte who is keeping the family financially
afloat. This is highlighted more in the second book The
FitzOsbournes
in exile. The family has been forced to flee their home and live
with
Aunt Charlotte. She is trying to introduce the older children into
'society' with mixed success.
An interesting series that is more suited to girls as the characters of
Sophie and Veronica make excellent character studies.
Suitable for years 9-12, these books would link with Captain
Corelli's
mandolin or any novel dealing with women's rights.
Stay tuned for The Montmaray Journals: Book Three in the series.
Wendy Rutten
Editor's note: A brief history of Montmaray won the NSW
Premier's Award. Another
review for it can be found here.
Pat Pledger